However, the US said it felt the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities had "not yet fully been given effect".

"The problem of climate change cannot be adequately addressed through commitments for emissions cuts by developed countries alone," the statement said.

"Major developing economies must likewise act."

Developing states, the US also argued, had to be differentiated according to the size of their economies and energy use.

Any new climate goals had to "take into account the legitimate right of the major developing economies and indeed all countries to grow their economies, develop on a sustainable basis, and have access to secure energy sources".

'Flip-flop'

Agreement was reached in Bali after marathon talks which spilled over by a day and were at times emotional.

It came only after an EU demand for industrialised nations to make emission cuts of 25-40% by 2020 was dropped from the draft text, and the EU and China agreed to soften language on commitments from developing countries.

A bloc containing the US, Canada and Japan had opposed the specific targets suggested by the EU.

The final text states that "deep cuts in global emissions will be required to achieve the ultimate objective" of avoiding dangerous climate change.

Despite the consensus achieved, environmental groups and some delegates criticised the documents as being weak and a missed opportunity.

Washington's delegation accepted it only after it was booed by other delegates for rejecting it.

"The US has been humbled by the overwhelming message by developing countries that they are ready to be engaged with the problem, and it's been humiliated by the world community," said Bill Hare of Greenpeace.

"I've never seen such a flip-flop in an environmental treaty context ever."